The ad looked too good to be true. "Wanted: unattached female wanted for extensive travel servicing clients involved in international trade." But Maria had found no work for months and was getting desperate. She called the number and was able to arrange an appointment for that afternoon.
The business was in an upscale industrial park. Finding the proper address, she was impressed by what she saw. The sign at the street front advertised "Pin Oaks Business Center." The building was no more than a few years old, with a large office section in front and the warehouse behind.
Entering, she was pleasantly greeted by the receptionist, who told her she was expected and someone would be with her shortly. Looking around, she saw a reception area that was appointed with up-to-date furnishings. Silk plants were scattered about and artwork adorned the walls.
A well-dressed, middle-aged man came through the door leading to the back offices. Warmly shaking her hand, he introduced himself. "Hello, Maria. I am John Thornton, the owner of Pin Oaks Business Services." He motioned for her to follow him back to his office.
Taking his seat behind the desk, he motioned for her to sit in one of the chairs in front of it. As she took her seat, he reached into a drawer and pulled out a clipboard with some papers attached.
He began cheerfully. "Let's get some personal information for the application," he began He asked for her full name and address. He then requested her social security number.
Maria stammered. "Mr Thornton, I want to be honest with you." Reluctantly, she admitted, "I am afraid I do not have a social security number. I do not now have legal status in this country."
He thought, "Oh, this is perfect." But, concealing his enthusiasm, he inquired sympathetically, "Please, tell me more."
Maria explained, "Well, I am from Bogota, Colombia. I came here three years ago after meeting an American man on-line. I thought we were going to be married. But when I arrived, he reneged. I was then stranded here. I have been able to find some work. I have worked as a housekeeper. They paid me in cash. I worked in a Mexican restaurant where they did the same. But I have now had nothing for a few months and it is getting frustrating."
He interjected, "I assume you are now now married. Tell me something about your family background."
Maria replied, "My family back home was very close. I was raised a devout Catholic and religious faith is still important to me." ("Well, our training can break her of that," he thought to himself.) "My parents are gone now. I was married in Colombia but it did not work out I am afraid I have had no contact with my siblings since shortly after coming to America."
Mr. Thornton cupped his hands under his chin. He thought, "This just looks better and better all the time." But he told Maria reassuringly, "Maria, dear, I think we can help you. Tell you what. We will just dispense with the application." He threw the clipboard back into the desk drawer. Winking at her, he added, "We will pretend that you were never here. We will not list you as an 'employee' in our records."
Maria had become familiar with that sort of arrangement. She was comfortable with it. She asked him, "Sir, can you tell me more about the nature of your business?"
